Egypt’s New ‘Mini Suez Canal’ Costing More Than $1.6 Billion Will Make It Rain in the Desert
In a bid to address its demographic challenges, Egypt has unveiled an ambitious project aimed at transforming its desert landscape into a habitable area suitable for agriculture and urban settlement.
With less than 4 percent of its land deemed habitable, accommodating 113.5 million people within such a limited space has proven to be a daunting task for the North African nation.
Comparatively, Egypt’s struggle with population density becomes apparent when juxtaposed with countries like Switzerland, which boasts a similar land mass but sustains a population of merely 8.7 million.
Seeking a solution to this conundrum, Egypt’s proposal involves the conversion of the desert region in the Qattara Depression into a liveable environment.
The centrepiece of this groundbreaking initiative is the construction of a 55 km canal, dubbed by many as Egypt’s more than$1.6 billion (£1.5bn) costing ‘mini Suez Canal’, which will channel water from the Mediterranean Sea into the heart of the desert.
Once completed, this engineering marvel will result in the flooding of the Qattara Depression, creating a sprawling 20,000 square kilometre lake.
The ramifications of this transformation are projected to be profound.
The substantial evaporation of water from the newly formed lake is expected to significantly increase humidity levels and rainfall in the surrounding areas.
Consequently, previously arid lands could become arable, providing opportunities for agricultural development and fostering the establishment of new settlements along the waterfront.
Moreover, the constant influx of water offers immense potential for hydroelectric power generation, which is anticipated to play a pivotal role in sustaining the project economically.
By harnessing the power of water, Egypt aims to not only mitigate its demographic challenges but also create a self-sustaining ecosystem that fuels growth and development.
The proposed project has sparked both excitement and scepticism among experts and the public alike. While some applaud Egypt’s innovative approach to addressing its population and resource management issues, others raise concerns regarding the environmental impact and feasibility of such a colossal undertaking.
